3rd May, 2012
Former Nigerian international, Emmanuel Amuneke has charged foreign-based Super Eagles playerss to show more zeal and patriotism in their quest to reposition the team for greatness under Coach Stephen Keshi.
Speaking exclusivey to P.M.Sports in Abuja, Amuneke said that the exploits of local professionals in the team is a welcomed development, but the foreign based professionals should also show more hunger while on national duties stressing that the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi despite their achievement in football are still hungry for success for both club and country.
“There are Nigerian professional players who are not showing zeal wearing the jersey of Nigeria. Most of our professionals no longer show hunger, no patriotism but if you look at Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi and the rest of them, they still show hunger for success no matter what they have achieved. If the foreign based show more hunger and patriotism, the Super Eagles will become a strong force again in Africa”
He however praised the efforts of Keshi by instilling confidence into the local players and daring the odds by inviting just five players to the national team for the double header friendly games against Gabon and Peru respectively.
“Keshi knows what he is doing and I’m sure he will prefer to see players who are zealous and patriotic irrespective of where they play to be in the team than allowing players who may jeopardise his effort in inviting them to camp. So, the odds seem to be favouring the local players and they must justify their invitations in the friendly games.”
—Francis Achi/Abuja